AIKIKAI OF GREAT BRITAIN - MARCH 1975 NEWSLETTER
THE STUDY OF AIKIKEN AND ITS BACKGROUND
It has been over three years since I started instruction on Aikiken (sword work in Aikido) in this country. During these years I have taught the basic SUBURI (solo exercises), SOTAI RENSHUHO known as AWASE HO (harmonious contact with a partner), ITSUTSU NO TACHI (five forms), AIKI MUSUBI NO TACHI and the basic BATTOHO (drawing sword). These instructions were given fragmentarily on various weekend courses organised by regional Aikikai but were taught more intensively and systematically on National Summer Schools, Easter courses and Teachers courses. In particular, the instruction given on the third teaching course held in 1972 especially emphasised the fundamental relationship between Aikido body art and sword work thus including the fundamental background and origin of the unique form of attack and defence of Aikido.
It should be clear to most students now that the fundamental ground and origin of the art of Aikido cannot be fully realised without knowledge of sword work.
Nevertheless, this part of the art has been treated as an open secret in Japan and was taught to only a minority of students in the first Doshu, O-Sensei’s time. There could be various reasons for this but fundamentally I think this it may be:
1. that the art is incredibly sensitive and of high skill requiring strict instruction under perfect control of the situation and moreover, it requires many years of strict and close association and devotion between Master and disciples.
2. because of the nature of the work in which only bokken is used without any means of protection, considerably great danger is involved in training.
3. because of the potential danger of bokken and its skilful art. The
well-trained art of bokken is somehow just as dangerous as that of real
sword. A piece of wood could instantly become a highly dangerous weapon
if it should fall into the wrong hands whilst a real sword is controlled
under the strict laws of Japan. As the Japanese sword is under the strict
control of the police and local authorities under the Ministry of Education,
one is only allowed to hold a sword that has been valued to be a fine
work of art by a specialist under the Ministry of Education. Only then
is a certificate issued permitting the owner to carry the sword. On the
other hand, a sword that is not valued as a fine work of art but merely
a weapon has to be destroyed by the police.
4. because of the unique character of Aikiken which is strongly associated
with the body art of Aikido it differs greatly from ordinary Kendo commonly
practised in Japan and thus it is quite possible to create a misunderstanding
of the real meaning and the originality of Aikiken. However there are
a number of schools of classical swordsmanship in existence in Japan thought
to have an art similar to that of Aikido but none of them seems to have
reached the high unity between sword work and body art which can be seen
in Aikido.
5. historically, Aikido being of noble origin has always had a tendency towards being a secret art.
For these reason it is understandable why this particular part of the art was not considered suitable for students in general.
Therefore it was only natural that those students having a great interest and dedication in learning this particular part of the art should come together at Iwama Aikien where the Aikido shrine had been built and where the first Doshu lived in his later years. It was the only place where these students had the opportunity to learn the art under the instruction of the first Doshu, who in his later life, devoted himself in the most earnest manner to his work of spiritualism based on a pure and simple self-sufficient farming life in the countryside of Japan.
I am most grateful to and appreciative of Saito Sensei for devoting himself to the study of the art by living together with O-Sensei for more than 20 years. His sincerity, indominable spirit and sacrifice throughout these years have made it possible to preserve this precious art for future generation. I fully support his decision to open the art to the general public by publishing various volumes of books whilst the art is under the threat of disappearing after O-Sensei’s death in 1969 although his decision may not have been fully supported within the Aikido society.
The benefit and advantage we can gain from his books is unfathomable. However, I must draw your attention to the danger of this benefit and advantage being abused. First of all, it is necessary to remember the reasons I have already given for the art not being taught openly in society. Secondly, it is dangerous when people lacking in the fundamental preparation, both spiritually and physically, copy the art incorrectly and superficially. If this should happen rapidly in the process of incorrect instruction it would lead to total misunderstanding of the real meaning of the art and its purpose.
The art is the unique blending and fruit of an ancient school of Daito ryu Jyujitsu whose existence is considered a national asset, and the creation and introduction of the great principle of Aiki by the founder, the late Ueshiba Morihei. The art must not be understood solely in techniques but also spiritually as within them its philosophy is revealed.
The realization of the mastery of this art is based on earnest study of the fundamental work for a reasonable number of years, as it is said ‘Suburi for three years and Ukedachi for five years’. Study and practice on the first Volume.
K. CHIBA, Technical Director
TECHNICAL REPORT AND CRITICISM OF THE TEACHERS COURSE HELD IN LONDON ON 28 & 29 SEPTEMBER 1974
1) Various forms of Kokyu Soren (Breathing exercises)
The purpose of these exercises is to generate Kokyu (KI) by stimulating the various points of the body and organs in purifying the system. These exercises are especially helpful not only for training purposes but also for creating a positive attitude towards life. As we are living in a highly civilised time, in other words, a time which ascribes to an artificial life, we are forced to live an unnatural way of life resulting in improper breathing, bad posture, displacement of inner organs and spine thus creating common mental disorder and instability for the modern man.
KI in a broad sense lies within each creature as a life force. However it could be created actively and used as an unique force of union between the body and mind. It is a consciousness which brings realization of the body and mind which only a human being has the ability to use. Therefore it is very important to use proper consciousness or imagination in these exercises.
2) The basic Suburi
The instruction was given with relation to the breathing exercises previously done and the practice concentrated on the projection of kokyu with the sword by actually throwing the sword across the dojo for about 20 metres.
The purpose of this exercise is to help most students overcome their common faults namely, lack of projection of breath and consciousness with the sword; serious separation of the sword from the user, i.e. disunion of the sword and body; lack of speed and impact of the word which can only be realised through maximum relaxation and natural movement of the body – moreover, improper grip of the sword by holding it insensitively and too tightly causes unnecessary strain on the wrists, arms, shoulders, back and hips etc. In some cases it is simply a matter of stiffness due to lack of discipline (training).
3) The basic Ken no Awase ( harmonious sword contact with an opponent)
This instruction was given in preparation for the Second Teachers course in 1974 which was to take place in eight weeks time in Birmingham. The technique can be applied directly to Kodachi which is to be taught in the near future and is the next step in sword training following SUBURI – UCHIKOMI – AWASE – KUMIDACHI – KUMIDACHI HENKAWAZA – TACHIDORI or MUTODORI (the art of taking sword away).
4) Various Kokyunage in suwariwaza, hanmi handachi-waza and tachi-waza
The purpose of this training is to realize that the importance of the SHUTO (hand blade) which is the bodily extension of sword movement and the technical realization and application of kokyu for various situations.
Three Circles – illustrating shomen strike A B C
Two circles – illustrating strike A B
As shown in illustrations I A-B-C the projection of the sword must be realised in a fully extended circular motion with kokyu generating from the tanden (marked ‘x’) towards the tip of the sword.
Figure II A-B illustrates the most common fault amongst students where the sword is not projected in a full circular motion. The possible reasons for this have been explained previously but apart from these point, I would like to draw your attention to another important point abut Kimusubi (harmonious contact of KI) which students still do not seem to realise.
Fundamentally, the contact of Aikido (Budo) can be explained in two ways. First of all, direct contact, that is, two bodies come into direct contact with no distance in between. Secondly, indirect contact or Kimusubi, that is, bodies have not yet come into contact but indirect contact is created by the flowing and exchanging of consciousness in the distance. It is important to realize that direct or body contact is the natural result of indirect contact and that it does not occur independently.
In the training of kata or kumidachi, it must be remembered that the techniques are created under imagined circumstances and the proper response according to the created circumstances within the dynamic character of the art is essentially important. Moreover, as the direct contact within sword work is indirect through the instrument of the sword it requires much more sensitivity than the body art because the contact has to be felt through the sword rather than the body. This sensitivity is important in order to prevent accidents in training. Only with the sensitivity can one practise under perfect control with full power and speed and achieve real enjoyment in the practice of the art.
K CHIBA, Technical Director
EASTER COURSE 30-31 MARCH 1975
The Easter Course will be held in both the Lower and Upper Halls at London Aikikai Headquarters, 51 Philbeach Gardens, SW5.
INSTRUCTORS: K CHIBA 6th Dan
Y KITAURA 5th Dan, Spain Aikikai
Kitaura Sensei, as you may remember, was one of the attending instructors at our Summer School last year in Stirling. For the past years Kitaura Sensei has been working on the thesis on El Greco in Spain and as he is planning to return to Japan shortly, we would encourage you to take this opportunity to study under his instruction.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Sunday 30 March
14.30 – 16.00 Practice
16.15 – 17.45 Practice
20.00 Social Evening
Monday 31 March
09.30 – 11.00 Practice
11.15 – 12.45 Practice
13.00 – 14.30 National Committee Meeting
15.00 – 16.30 Practice
16.45 – 18.00 Grading
COURSE FEE: AGB members £5 Non members £7
All national coaches, area representatives and representatives from each club are requested to attend the National Committee Meeting on Monday 31 March at 13.00 hours. Sandwiches will be provided. (Please bring your own drink)
Meet the instructors and other students for a chat over ‘a pinta’ at our social evening on Sunday from 20.00. Venue to be announced at the course.
Students requiring accommodation for this course should contact Mick Holloway by 24 March stating dates required together with a deposit of £1
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DAN GRADE
National coaches are requested to submit to Chiba Sensei before the Easter course the names of 1st and 2nd Kyu students who they would like to recommend for honorary dan grades. The following information should be included in the recommendation: when and by whom the last grade was given, hours practised since last grading and the reasons for the recommendation.
In the Aikikai Association dan grades are awarded either by examination or on recommendation. Students recommended for honorary dan grades are usually those who have practised for at least 3-4 years and have attained the standard required for the dan grade but because of age, physical state, etc, is unable to undergo hard training and the examination but have shown devotion and made a contribution towards Aikido. Students who have practised the required length of time and have attained the standard for dan grading may be awarded dan grade by special promotion i.e. without taking the necessary examination. This decision is entirely up to Chiba Sensei’s judgement.
NATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL, BANGOR, 2-9 AUGUST 1975
Posters and application forms have now been sent to all clubs. Further copies are obtainable from Margaret at Headquarters.
NEW GRADING SYLLABUS
Copy of the new syllabus which came into effect this year is enclosed. Clubs requiring further chart-size copies for posting in the dojo should contact Dorothy at Headquarter.
CHANGES IN WEEKEND COURSES
APRIL 4-5-6 St Maximin for National Coaches only
SEPTEMBER 1-7 Cannes, French Summer School
8-14
Madrid, Spanish Summer School
OCTOBER 4 –5 Liverpool instead of 1-2 November
DECEMBER 13-14 Belgium
EQUIPMENT
PROFESSOR SAITO’S BOOKS: We are still awaiting shipment from Japan
IAI SWORD: This order will be available for distribution at the Easter Course.
We apologise for the long delay in providing equipment ordered but this has been due to circumstances beyond our control.
PROFESSOR SAITO’S FILMS
Four sets of film on Professor Saito demonstrating sword and stick work were shown to students at the course held in London 8-9 February for national coaches and club instructors. These 8mm films and tape cassettes are available on loan for 1-2 weeks from Headquarters to all clubs. All interested clubs should submit their request and dates required to Dorothy at Headquarters.
REMINDER!!!
Would all dan grades who have hot yet submitted the annual ACEA fee of £1.50 due since last October kindly do so NOW. Fee should be forwarded to Margaret at HQ.
Club membership fee and new list of club members are due on 1 MAY 1975. All changes of name, address and telephone number should be included.
NEWLY AFFILIATED CLUB
LONDON AIKIKAI, ROYAL BRITISH LEGION AIKIDO CLUB
Church Road, Acton W3
Tel No 01-965 7080 Ext 7207
Instructor: Tim Foynes 1st Dan Secretary: F Butler
66 Goodhall Street 9 Halstow Road
London NW10 6TU Kensal Rise,
London NW10
Tel No 01-985 7359 (6.30-18.00)
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water.
Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
This is because there is nothing that can take its place.
That the weak overcomes the strong,
And the submissive overcomes the hard,
Everyone in the world knows yet no one can put his knowledge into practice
LOA TZU
PLEASE FORWARD CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE NEWLSETTER TO DOROTHY AT LONDON AIKIKAI HQ